Description
This is a compact, small monstrous and strongly variegated form of Agave americana that sometime stay solitary or that suckers to form small colonies. There is some question whether it is a cultivar of Agave americana or not, but but the rare blue reversion looks nothing like Agave americana. It has attractive colours, though somewhat brighter, than Agave americana f. variegata.
Rosette: Grows slowly up to about 45 cm tall x 75 cm wide.
Leaves: Short, unusually thick, wavy blue-green highlighted by 5 cm wide golden borders. The leaf margins tend to be somewhat irregular and irregularly spined as well.
Origin and Habitat
Garden origin. California (USA)
Cultivation and Propagation
These striking small agaves are wonderful when used for accent or simply to provide some all year round foliage colour and often used in a pot as a patio plant, they make an eye-catching statement and along with other evergreen plants in pots, can be moved around to change the scenery or position to give more shelter.
Cultivation: This is a very popular cultivar but it is relatively slow to grow and propagate, it tend to do less well than the standard blue-grey species plant, hence the price. They do well in full sun or a lightly shaded area.
In winter watering this plant can be done once every 1-2 months, there is no need to mist the leaves. Agave americana is theoretically hardy to -9° C, particularly when dry but this cultivar is more tender and it is best to avoid freezing temperatures.
Propagation: Exclusively by suckers Remove the basal suckers (if available) in spring or summer and let the cuttings dry for a few days before inserting in compost.
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